According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit conducted it’s 2017 Fourth of July Weekend Operation, starting on Friday, June 30th, 2017 through Tuesday, July 4th, 2017.

The operation was conducted along the Colorado River from the California/Nevada state line to the Riverside County line.

The majority of the operation was focused on the waterways along with resorts, launch ramps and marinas along the Colorado River and Lake Havasu.

A total of ten patrol vessels, one Rescue Dive Team, one Gang Enforcement Team, an Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement team and a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department helicopter team were deployed throughout the area.

There was a total of 15 arrests made, 13 of which we re for Boating Under the Influence.

There was 87 citations issued for various boating law violations.

There were 2 reported boating accidents with injuries, one was alcohol related.

There was a drowning on the Parker Strip portion of the Colorado River which was not boating related.

The 27 year old male victim swam to the river bottom to release a boat anchor and never surfaced.

Bystanders jumped into the water and recovered the victim who was lifeless.

C.P.R. was immediately administered and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The cause of death is still under investigation.

The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit is dedicated to providing a safe boating atmosphere for the public and urges that everyone boats sober, wear their life jackets and take a Boating Safety Course.

For more information regarding Boating Safety Courses, contact the Division of Boating and Waterways at: http://www.dbw.ca.gov